BEARING AND SHAFT ASSEMBLY FOR JET ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

An improved bearing and shaft assembly includes a bearing assembly having an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, and a shaft assembly having a shaft member, a shaft protection member, and a locking mechanism. The outer bearing member has a cavity for receiving the inner bearing member, and fits within a cavity of an impeller. The shaft assembly is secured within a housing of a jet assembly. The shaft protection member has a cavity for receiving the shaft member. The shaft protection member fits within the cavity of the inner bearing member. Also, a jet assembly, which includes the improved bearing and shaft assembly, may be coupled to a motor assembly. The jet assembly further includes the housing that includes at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture, and an impeller positioned within a cavity of the housing.

Claims

1. A jet assembly of a magnetic coupling-type pump used for displacing a fluid to an environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries, said jet assembly comprising: a housing comprising at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture and defining a chamber, wherein said at least one inlet aperture is disposed about said housing and is dimensioned and configured to allow a fluid to pass through said at least one inlet aperture and enter into said chamber of said housing, and wherein said at least one outlet aperture is disposed about said housing and is dimensioned and configured to allow the fluid to pass through said at least one outlet aperture and exit from said chamber of said housing into an environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries; a magnetic impeller defining a cavity, wherein said magnetic impeller is positioned within said chamber of said housing and configured to rotate within said chamber of said housing whereby rotation of said magnetic impeller causes the fluid to flow through said at least one inlet aperture and enter into said chamber of said housing and to flow through said at least one outlet aperture and exit from said chamber of said housing; and an improved bearing and shaft assembly comprising a bearing device and a shaft device, wherein said bearing device comprises at least one bearing member, wherein said at least one bearing member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending from said first end to said second end, and a cavity within said body and extending from said first end to said second end, wherein said at least one bearing member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said magnetic impeller, wherein said shaft device comprises an inner base and at least one shaft member, wherein said shaft device is secured at a predetermined location within said housing of said jet assembly, wherein said at least one shaft member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending upwardly from said first end to said second end, and a shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a base diameter, wherein said base diameter is greater than said shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is positioned below said second end of said at least one shaft member such that said first end of said at least one shaft member is in proximity to said top surface of said inner base of said shaft device, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is manufactured of ceramic or a ceramic-type material, wherein said body of said at least one shaft member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said at least one bearing member and said cavity of said magnetic impeller, wherein, when in operational use, said inner base of said shaft device is positioned between said bearing device and an inner surface of said housing of said jet assembly, and wherein, when in operational use, said magnetic impeller is rotatory within said housing of said jet assembly such that fluid is displaced to the environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries.

2. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is a base having a central hole.

3. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one member of said at least one bearing member is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics.

4. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one member of said at least one bearing member is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material.

5. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one shaft member is manufactured of steel or a metal material.

6. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is manufactured of a hard material.

7. The jet assembly according to claim 6, wherein said hard material is ceramic or a ceramic-type material.

8. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said shaft protection member is polished or super smooth.

9. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one bearing member is an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics, wherein said inner bearing member is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material, and wherein at least one member of said at least one shaft member is manufactured of steel or a metal material.

10. The jet assembly according to claim 9, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is manufactured of ceramic or a ceramic-type material.

11. The jet assembly according to claim 9, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is polished or super smooth.

12. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said jet assembly is adapted for being coupled to a motor assembly of a magnetic coupling pump, wherein said magnetic impeller comprises a magnetic pole array, wherein the motor assembly comprises a motor, a magnetic pole array, and a motor shaft member adapted for being rotated such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic pole array of the motor assembly moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array of the motor assembly, wherein the motor drives the magnetic pole array, wherein the magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of said magnetic pole array of said magnetic impeller, and wherein rotation of said magnetic impeller results in the fluid being drawn towards said magnetic impeller through said at least one inlet aperture and the fluid to be propelled out of said jet assembly through said at least one outlet aperture.

13. The jet assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one bearing member is comprised of an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member comprises a body that comprises a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end, wherein said cavity of said body is dimensioned and configured for receiving said inner bearing member, and wherein said outer bearing member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said magnetic impeller, and wherein said inner bearing member comprises a body comprising a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end of said body of said inner bearing member, and wherein said at least one shaft member comprises a shaft member and a shaft protection member, wherein said shaft device is secured within said housing of said jet assembly, wherein said shaft member comprises a body that comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein said shaft protection member comprises said inner base and a body extending upwardly from said inner base, wherein said inner base further comprises a cavity, wherein said body of said shaft protection member comprises a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end of said body of said shaft protection member, wherein each of said cavity of said inner base and said cavity of said body of said shaft protection member is dimensioned and configured for receiving said shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said body of said inner bearing member, said cavity of said body of said outer bearing member, and said cavity of said magnetic impeller.

14. A magnetic coupling-type pump used for displacing a fluid to an environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries, said pump comprising: a motor assembly comprising a motor; and a jet assembly comprising: a housing comprising at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture and defining a chamber, wherein said at least one inlet aperture is disposed about said housing and is dimensioned and configured to a fluid to pass through said at least one inlet aperture and enter into said chamber of said housing, and wherein said at least one outlet aperture is disposed about said housing and is dimensioned and configured to allow the fluid to pass through said at least one outlet aperture and exit from said chamber of said housing into an environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries, a magnetic impeller defining a cavity, wherein said magnetic impeller is positioned within said chamber of said housing and configured to rotate within said chamber of said housing whereby rotation of said magnetic impeller causes the fluid to flow through said at least one inlet aperture and enter into said chamber of said housing and to flow through said at least one outlet aperture and exit from said chamber of said housing, an improved bearing and shaft assembly comprising a bearing device and a shaft device, wherein said bearing device comprises at least one bearing member, wherein said at least one bearing member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending from said first end to said second end, and a cavity within said body and extending from said first end to said second end, wherein said at least one bearing member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said magnetic impeller, wherein said shaft device comprises an inner base and at least one shaft member, wherein said shaft device is secured at a predetermined location within said housing of said jet assembly, wherein said at least one shaft member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending upwardly from said first end to said second end, and a shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a base diameter, wherein said base diameter is greater than said shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is positioned below said second end of said at least one shaft member such that said first end of said at least one shaft member is in proximity to said top surface of said inner base of said shaft device, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is manufactured of ceramic or a ceramic-type material, wherein said body of said at least one shaft member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said at least one bearing member and said cavity of said magnetic impeller, wherein, when in operational use, said inner base of said shaft device is positioned between said bearing device and an inner surface of said housing of said jet assembly, and wherein, when in operational use, said magnetic impeller is rotatory within said housing of said jet assembly such that fluid is displaced to the environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries.

15. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein at least one member of said at least one bearing member is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics.

16. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein at least one member said at least one bearing member is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material.

17. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said at least one shaft member is manufactured of steel or a metal material.

18. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is manufactured of a hard material.

19. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 18, wherein said hard material is ceramic or a ceramic-type material.

20. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said shaft protection member is polished or super smooth.

21. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said at least one bearing member is an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics, wherein said inner bearing member is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material, and wherein at least one member of said at least one shaft member is manufactured of steel or a metal material.

22. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 21, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is manufactured of ceramic or a ceramic-type material.

23. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 21, wherein said at least one shaft member is a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is polished or super smooth.

24. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said magnetic impeller comprises a magnetic pole array, wherein said motor assembly further comprises a magnetic pole array and a motor shaft member adapted for being rotated such that a magnetic field generated by said magnetic pole array of said motor assembly moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of said magnetic pole array of said motor assembly, wherein said motor drives said magnetic pole array of said motor assembly, wherein said magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of said magnetic pole array of said magnetic impeller, and wherein rotation of said magnetic impeller results in the fluid being drawn towards said magnetic impeller through said at least one inlet aperture and the fluid to be propelled out of said jet assembly through said at least one outlet aperture.

25. The magnetic coupling-type pump according to claim 14, wherein said at least one bearing member is comprised of an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member comprises a body that comprises a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end, wherein said cavity of said body is dimensioned and configured for receiving said inner bearing member, and wherein said outer bearing member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said magnetic impeller, and wherein said inner bearing member comprises a body comprising a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end of said body of said inner bearing member, and wherein said at least one shaft member comprises a shaft member and a shaft protection member, wherein said shaft device is secured within said housing of said jet assembly, wherein said shaft member comprises a body that comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein said shaft protection member comprises said inner base and a body extending upwardly from said inner base, wherein said inner base further comprises a cavity, wherein said body of said shaft protection member comprises a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending from said first end to said second end of said body of said shaft protection member, wherein each of said cavity of said inner base and said cavity of said body of said shaft protection member is dimensioned and configured for receiving said shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said body of said inner bearing member, said cavity of said body of said outer bearing member, and said cavity of said magnetic impeller.

26. A method for displacing a fluid to an environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries using an improved bearing and shaft assembly for a jet assembly of a magnetic coupling-type pump, said method comprising the steps of: securing said improved bearing and shaft assembly within a housing of a jet assembly, wherein said improved bearing and shaft assembly comprises a bearing device and a shaft device, wherein said bearing device comprises at least one bearing member, wherein said shaft device comprises an inner base and at least one shaft member, wherein said at least one bearing member comprises a first end, a second end, and a body extending from said first end to said second end, wherein said at least one bearing member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within a cavity of a magnetic impeller, wherein said shaft device is secured at a predetermined location within the housing of the jet assembly, wherein said at least one shaft member comprises a first end, a second end, a body extending upwardly from said first end to said second end, and a shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a base diameter, wherein said base diameter is greater than said shaft member diameter, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is positioned below said second end of said at least one shaft member such that said first end of said at least one shaft member is in proximity to said top surface of said inner base of said shaft device, wherein said body of said at least one shaft member is dimensioned and configured for fitting within said cavity of said at least one bearing member and the cavity of the magnetic impeller, wherein, when in operational use, said inner base of said shaft device is positioned between said bearing device and an inner surface of the housing of the jet assembly, and wherein, when in operational use, the magnetic impeller is rotatory within the housing of the jet assembly such that fluid is displaced to the environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries; causing rotation of the magnetic impeller positioned within a chamber defined by the housing of the jet assembly; receiving the fluid and allowing the fluid to pass through at least one input aperture disposed about the housing of the jet assembly; disturbing the fluid with the rotating magnetic impeller; and outputting the fluid through at least one output aperture disposed about the housing of the jet assembly such that the fluid is displaced to the environment in manicure, pedicure and spa industries.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said at least one bearing member is an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member comprises a body that comprises a cavity, and wherein said cavity of said outer bearing member is dimensioned and configured for receiving said inner bearing member, wherein said shaft device comprises a shaft protection member and a shaft member, and wherein said shaft protection member comprises said inner base and said body, wherein said inner base comprises a cavity, wherein said body of said shaft protection member extends upwardly from said inner base, and wherein said cavity of said inner base is dimensioned and configured for receiving said shaft member.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the jet assembly is adapted for being coupled to a magnetic coupling pump, wherein the magnetic impeller comprises a magnetic pole array, wherein a motor assembly of the magnetic coupling pump comprises a motor, a magnetic pole array, and a motor shaft member adapted for being rotated such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic pole array of the motor assembly moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array of the motor assembly, wherein the motor drives the magnetic pole array of the motor assembly, wherein the magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of the magnetic pole array of the magnetic impeller, and wherein rotation of the magnetic impeller results in the fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller through the at least one inlet aperture and the fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly through the at least one outlet aperture.

29. The method according to claim 26, wherein said at least one bearing member is an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, wherein said outer bearing member is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics, wherein said inner bearing member is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material, and wherein at least one member of said at least one shaft member is manufactured of steel or a metal material.

30. The method according to claim 26, wherein said inner base of said shaft device is manufactured of ceramic or a ceramic-type material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective, exploded view of a bearing assembly of an improved bearing and shaft assembly according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective, assembly view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 1A;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective, assembly view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 1A positioned within a cavity of an impeller;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective, exploded view of a shaft assembly of an improved bearing and shaft assembly according to the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a perspective, assembly view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 3A;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective, assembly view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 3A positioned relative to a housing (without a front cover) of a jet assembly;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective, exploded view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 1A, the shaft assembly of FIG. 3A, and a jet assembly (with a front cover);

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective, assembly view of the improved bearing and shaft assembly of FIGS. 1A and 3A, and the impeller and housing of the jet assembly (without the front cover) of FIG. 5;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective, assembly view of the improved bearing and shaft assembly of FIGS. 1A and 3A, and the impeller and housing of the jet assembly (with the front cover) of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magnetic coupling-type pump according to the present invention, showing a jet assembly and a motor assembly coupled to one another;

[0027] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic coupling-type pump of FIG. 8; and

[0028] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetic, coupling-type pump according to the present invention, showing a jet assembly and a motor assembly secured or coupled to or about one another.

[0029] It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1A-5 and in one exemplary aspect, the present invention is directed to an improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 for jet assemblies 180.

[0031] The improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 is comprised of a bearing assembly 110 comprising an outer bearing member 120 and an inner bearing member 130, and a shaft assembly 140 comprising a shaft member 150, a shaft protection member 160, and a locking mechanism 159.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the outer bearing member 120 and inner bearing member 130 perform as a bearing. The inner bearing member 130 absorbs vibration and noise when in use with other components of a jet assembly 180 or a pump 300, such as a magnetic coupling-type pump 300 and the like.

[0033] The outer bearing member 120 includes a base 122, preferably a ring-like base, and a cylindrical body 124 extending upwardly from the ring-like base 122. The ring-like base 122 has a predetermined thickness. The cylindrical body 124 has a first end 126, a second end 128, and a cavity 129 extending from the first end 126 to the second end 128. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 5, the cavity 129 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner bearing member 130. Preferably, when in use, the outer bearing member 120 and inner bearing member 130 are closely or tightly positioned relative to one another such that they form an effective seal. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the outer bearing member 120 is dimensioned and configured for fitting, preferably closely or tightly fitting, within a centrally-disposed cavity 179 of an impeller 170, preferably a magnetic impeller and more preferably a planar magnetic impeller, of a jet assembly 180. Preferably and as best shown in FIG. 2, the ring-like base 122 of the outer bearing member 120 and first end 136 of the cylindrical body 134 of the inner bearing member 130 are substantially flush with the rear side 174 of the magnetic impeller 170 when the outer bearing member 120 and inner bearing member 130 are positioned within the centrally-disposed cavity 179 of the magnetic impeller 170. Preferably, the centrally-disposed cavity 179 of the magnetic impeller 170 is dimensioned and configured for effectively receiving the bearing assembly 110 prior to use, and also for effectively retaining the bearing assembly 110 when in use. The outer bearing member 120 is preferably made or manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that other suitable materials may be used in the making or manufacturing of the outer bearing member 120.

[0034] The inner bearing member 130 includes cylindrical body 134 having first end 136, a second end 138, and a cavity 139 extending from the first end 136 to the second end 138. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 5, the cavity 139 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the shaft member 150 and shaft protection member 160 of the shaft assembly 140. The inner bearing member 130 is preferably made or manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that other suitable materials may be used in the making or manufacturing of the inner bearing member 130.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5, the shaft assembly 140 includes the shaft member 150, the shaft protection member 160, and the locking mechanism 159.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 5, the shaft member 150 includes a base 152 and a cylindrical body 154 extending upwardly from the base 152. The cylindrical body 154 has a first end 156 and a second end 158. As best shown in FIG. 4, the shaft member 150 and shaft protection member 160 are secured within the housing 181, preferably in a central location within a cavity 184 of the housing 181, of the jet assembly 180 via the base 152 of the shaft member 150 being secured to the base 182 of the housing 181. The cylindrical body 154 has a first end 156 and a second end 158. The shaft member 150 is preferably made or manufactured of steel or a metal material. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that other suitable materials may be used in the making or manufacturing of the shaft member 150. Also, the shaft member 150 is preferably made or manufactured as a single piece. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the shaft member 150 may be made or manufactured as multiple pieces.

[0037] The shaft protection member 160 includes a base 162, preferably a ring-like base, and a cylindrical body 164 extending upwardly from the ring-like base 162. The cylindrical body 164 has a first end 166, a second end 168, and a cavity 169 extending from the first end 166 to the second end 168. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cavity 169 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the cylindrical body 154 of the shaft member 150. The shaft protection member 160 is preferably made or manufactured of a hard material, such as ceramic or a ceramic-type material. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that other suitable materials may be used in the making or manufacturing of the shaft protection member 160. Also, the shaft protection member 160 is preferably polished or super smooth on its outer surface. Further, the shaft protection member 160 is preferably made or manufactured as two pieces. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the shaft protection member 160 may be made or manufactured as a single piece.

[0038] The locking mechanism 159 secures the magnetic impeller 170 within the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180. The locking mechanism 159 may be a locking nut that, when in use, is secured onto the second end 158 of the cylindrical body 154 of the shaft member 150.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the magnetic impeller 170 has a disc-like configuration or shape, and includes a front side 172, a rear side 174, a sidewall 176, a circular array of arm members 178 positioned on the front side 172, and the centrally-disposed cavity 179 dimensioned and configured for receiving the outer bearing member 120, inner bearing member 130, shaft member 150, and shaft protection member 160. The centrally-disposed cavity 179 preferably extends from the front side 172 through to the rear side 174. The magnetic impeller 170 is configured to rotate about the shaft member 150 and shaft protection member 160. Preferably, the magnetic impeller 170 is formed in whole or in part of a magnetic pole array 177 that, as discussed below, interacts with magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200 to rotate the magnetic impeller 170 about the shaft member 150 and shaft protection member 160. As a non-limiting example, the magnetic impeller 170 may contain a magnetic plate within an exterior made or manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the magnetic impeller 170 may be other types of magnetic impellers that is know in the art.

[0040] In use and as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the base 152 of the shaft member 150 and base 162 of the shaft protection member 160 may be secured preferably in a central location within the cavity 184 of the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180 of the magnetic coupling-type pump 300. The bearing assembly 110 may then be positioned in the cavity 179 of the magnetic impeller 170, which can then be positioned within the cavity 184 of the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180. The locking mechanism or nut 159 can then be secured to the second end 158 of the cylindrical body 154 of the shaft member 150 to secure the magnetic impeller 170 within the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1A-7, in another exemplary aspect, the present invention is directed to a jet assembly 180 that includes the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 (as described above). The jet assembly 180 is adapted for being secured or coupled to a motor assembly 200.

[0042] In addition to the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100, the jet assembly 180 further includes a housing 181 and an impeller 170 (as described above), preferably a magnetic impeller and more preferably a planar magnetic impeller.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180 includes a base 182, a front cover 183, the cavity 184 defined within the base 182 and front cover 183, at least one inlet aperture 185 dimensioned and configured to receive a fluid and preferably disposed on the front cover 183, and at least one outlet aperture 186 dimensioned and configured to output the fluid and preferably disposed on the front cover 183.

[0044] The magnetic impeller 170 is adapted for being positioned within the cavity 184 of the housing 181 and configured to rotate within the cavity 184 when a magnetic pole array 210 from the motor assembly 200 is driven such that rotation of the magnetic impeller 170 causes the fluid to flow into the inlet aperture 185 and out the outlet aperture 186.

[0045] Preferably when in use and as shown in FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, the jet assembly 180 is positioned adjacent or in close proximity to the motor assembly 200 when the magnetic pump 300 is fully assembled. In that regard, the jet assembly 180 is preferably magnetically coupled to the motor assembly 200 when the jet assembly 180 is positioned adjacent or in close proximity to the motor assembly 200. Specially, the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200 and the magnetic pole array 177 of the jet assembly 180 magnetically couple together the motor assembly 200 and the jet assembly 180.

[0046] Moreover, during operation of the motor assembly 200 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the shaft member 150 of the shaft assembly 140 is stationary while the motor shaft member 208 is rotated such that the magnetic field 212 generated by the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200 moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200. This moving or fluctuating magnetic field 212 moves and/or causes rotation of magnetic pole array 177 of the magnetic impeller 170. Additionally, as discussed in greater detail below, rotation of the magnetic impeller 170 results in fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller 170 through inlet apertures 185 and such fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly 180 through the outlet aperture 186.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1A-9B, in an additional exemplary aspect, the present invention is directed to a pump 300, preferably a magnetic coupling-type pump, comprising a motor assembly 200 and a jet assembly 180 (as described above) that includes the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 (as described above). The jet assembly 180 is secured or coupled to the motor assembly 200.

[0048] As best shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the motor assembly 200 includes a motor 202, a magnetic pole array 210 such that the motor 202 is configured to drive the magnetic pole array 210, a mounting housing member 206, a gasket 207, a motor shaft member 208 that is coupled to the magnetic pole array 210, and a plurality of screws with wing nuts 209 to support the pump mounting. The mounting housing member 206 and gasket 207 preferably enclose all or a substantial portion of the magnetic pole array 210, and help to keep fluids and/or substances away from the motor 202 and magnetic pole array 210 so that contamination and/or damage is reduced or prevented. The magnetic pole array 210 is formed of magnetic material and/or is magnetized in order to generate a magnetic field 212.

[0049] In that regard, the motor assembly 200 may include and/or be coupled to a power source (not shown) that enables rotation of the motor shaft member 208. Upon operation of the motor assembly 200, the motor shaft member 208 is rotated such that the magnetic field 212 generated by the magnetic pole array 210 moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array 210.

[0050] In addition, when the magnetic coupling-type pump 300 is assembled, the jet assembly 180 is positioned adjacent or in close proximity to the mounting housing member 206 of the motor assembly 200. The jet assembly 180 is preferably magnetically coupled to the motor assembly 200 when the jet assembly 180 is positioned adjacent or in close proximity to the mounting housing member 206. The jet assembly 180 and mounting housing member 206 can be secured or coupled to one another by any method and/or device known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] Furthermore, the motor assembly 200 may further include an air channel (not shown), or air channel member (not shown). In that regard, the air channel includes an inlet (not shown) and outlet (not shown). The air channel, in part, enables the jet assembly 180 to produce a jet stream of fluid that includes an air mixture.

[0052] Additionally, the motor assembly 200 may further include sensors (not shown). The sensors may be positioned on a front facing surface (not shown), or annular flange, of the mounting housing member 206. The sensors may include electrodes that act as level sensors that sense the level of fluid around the pump 300. If the sensors detect that the level of fluid around the pump 300 is below a predetermined level or value, then the sensors can shut off the pump 300. For example, if pump 300 is being used in a spa application, the sensors can detect the level of fluid in a basin in which the pump 300 is being used. If the fluid level is too low such that continued operation of pump 300 may cause damage to the pump, then sensors send a signal to motor assembly 200 to stop the motor assembly 200 from operating. Therefore, the sensors act as a safety mechanism that prevents the pump 300 from burning out if fluid levels are too low for proper functioning of pump 300.

[0053] Although the sensors have been described as being associated with particular aspects of motor assembly 200, it is contemplated that sensors can be associated with other and/or additional portions of motor assembly 200. Additionally, in other embodiments sensors can be associated with jet assembly 180. Furthermore, in other embodiments sensors can be associated with both motor assembly 200 and jet assembly 180. Moreover, although two sensors are shown it is contemplated that one sensor or more than two sensors can be used to detect fluid levels around pump 300.

[0054] In a further exemplary aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for displacing a fluid using an improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 for a jet assembly 180, the method comprising the steps of:

[0055] securing the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 within a housing 181 of a jet assembly 180,

[0056] wherein the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100 comprises a bearing assembly 110 and a shaft assembly 140,

[0057] wherein the bearing assembly 110 comprises an outer bearing member 120 and an inner bearing member 130,

[0058] wherein the shaft assembly 140 comprises a shaft member 150, a shaft protection member 160, and a locking mechanism 159,

[0059] wherein the outer bearing member 120 comprises a cylindrical body 124 comprising a first end 126, a second end 128, and a cavity 129 extending from the first end 126 to the second end 128, wherein the cavity 129 of the cylindrical body 124 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner bearing member 130, wherein the outer bearing member 120 is dimensioned and configured for fitting within a cavity 179 of an impeller 170 of the jet assembly 180,

[0060] wherein the inner bearing member 130 comprises a cylindrical body 134 comprising a first end 136, a second end 138, and a cavity 139 extending from the first end 136 to the second end 138 of the cylindrical body 134 of the inner bearing member 130,

[0061] wherein the shaft member 150 comprises a cylindrical body 154 comprising a first end 156 and a second end 158,

[0062] wherein the shaft protection member 160 comprises a cylindrical body 164 comprising a first end 166, a second end 168, and a cavity 169 extending from the first end 166 to the second end 168 of the cylindrical body 164 of the shaft protection member 160, wherein the cavity 169 of the cylindrical body 164 of the shaft protection member 160 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the shaft member 150, wherein the shaft protection member 160 is dimensioned and configured for fitting within the cavity 139 of the cylindrical body 134 of the inner bearing member 130, and

[0063] wherein the locking mechanism 159 secures the impeller 170 within the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180;

[0064] causing rotation of the impeller 170 positioned within a cavity 184 defined by the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180;

[0065] receiving the fluid through at least one input aperture 185 disposed about the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180;

[0066] disturbing the fluid with the rotating impeller 170; and

[0067] outputting the fluid through at least one output aperture 186 disposed about the housing 181 of the jet assembly 180.

[0068] In addition, the method above may further include:

[0069] wherein the outer bearing member 120 further comprises a base 122 comprising a cavity, wherein the cylindrical body 124 of the outer bearing member 120 extends upwardly from the base 122, wherein the cavity of the base 122 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner bearing member 130,

[0070] wherein the shaft member 150 further comprises a base 152, wherein the cylindrical body 154 of the shaft member 150 extends upwardly from the base 152 of the shaft member 150, and

[0071] wherein the shaft protection member 160 further comprises a base 162 comprising a cavity, wherein the cylindrical body 164 of the shaft protection member 160 extends upwardly from the base 162 of the shaft protection member 160, and wherein the cavity of said base 162 is dimensioned and configured for receiving the shaft member 150.

[0072] Additionally, the method above may further include:

wherein the jet assembly 180 is adapted for being secured to a pump 300, such as a magnetic coupling-type pump 300 and the like, wherein the impeller 170 is a magnetic impeller 170 comprising a magnetic pole array 177, wherein a motor assembly 200 of the magnetic coupling-type pump 300 comprises a motor 202, a magnetic pole array 210, and a shaft member 208 adapted for being rotated such that a magnetic field 212 generated by the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200 moves or fluctuates in accordance with the rotation of the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200, wherein the motor 202 drives the magnetic pole array 210 of the motor assembly 200, wherein the magnetic field 212 moves and/or causes rotation of the magnetic pole array 177 of the magnetic impeller 170, and wherein rotation of the magnetic impeller 170 results in the fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller 170 through the at least one inlet aperture 185 and the fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly 180 through the at least one outlet aperture 186.

[0073] Further, the method above may further include:

wherein the outer bearing member 120 is manufactured of a plastic material or engineered plastics, wherein the inner bearing member 130 is manufactured of rubber or a rubber-like material, wherein the shaft member 150 is manufactured of steel or a metal material, and wherein the shaft protection member 160 is manufactured of a hard material.

[0074] Furthermore, the method above may further include any of the parts, steps and/or details that have been described in the above paragraphs with regard to the improved bearing and shaft assembly 100, jet assemblies 180, and pumps 300, such as magnetic coupling-type pumps 300 and the like.

[0075] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.